When I sat down with United Lakewood Educators-Muskego Co-Presidents Anna Wendt and Kathy Humke, they told me that their relationship with administration has helped to keep their local association strong. Of her Co-President, Kathy Humke said, “Anna has a gifted way of speaking with our administration where she finds a way to be heard because she is pro-active and works to solve problems.”

During our conversation, Anna told me, “A change in the law has curtailed our ability to negotiate, but we continue to advocate on behalf of our members’ financial needs, and we are clear with the district about inequity and injustice.”

For example, ULE-Muskego organized its membership into action when the district intended to back out of paying educators who had attained their master’s degrees, and they were successful. Anna said, “Our local continues to maintain a clear and amicable relationship with the district administration and school board. We’re not here to cause problems; on behalf of our students and colleagues, we have provided stability and continue to share the rich history. ULE-Muskego has been a level-headed support network and a voice of reason.”

When the Educator Effectiveness evaluation system went into effect, ULE-Muskego worked with the district on implementation and ways to help build plans so as not to be punitive. This spring, they were at the table during conversations about a new building configuration in their school district. Anna said, “We come with good questions, and we offer help and support.” This applies to their work with their members and their work with members of administration and the school board.

As far as advice to other locals, Kathy said, “Surround yourself with people you trust and with whom you can work effectively. And, don’t get isolated — reach out to others in your network. WEAC Region 7 has been a helpful support network for us. They have offered valuable trainings in member recruitment, and given us good ideas for our next steps.”

United Lakewood Educators-Muskego has a history of strength that it is maintaining through its calm and measured approach. Kathy said, “We know that we have the support of so many in our district, as our yearly recertification numbers are between 70 and 80 percent. Our colleagues, members and non-members alike, value what we do.”

Recent GBEA News

In her latest Spotlight on Locals column, WEAC Vice President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen highlights the Green Bay Education Association, whose success is rooted in efforts to reach out to members and potential members and help them learn and grow as both educators and as union leaders. Programs include Emerging Voices, Early Career Learning Labs, Early Career Leadership Fellowship and National Board Certification support. “The greatest strength of the GBEA is that our members understand the value of unions — locally, statewide, and nationwide,” says GBEA Treasurer Dan Gage.

WEAC News

With the latest round of state campaign finance reports in, backers of the private school voucher program have larded the campaign accounts of politicians willing to do their bidding with $7.5 million in campaign contributions since 2008. Leading the pack, and hauling in more than 1 of every 4 dollars donated, is Governor Scott Walker with a total take in excess of $2.165 million. “The people writing these checks want to see more private school vouchers,” said One Wisconsin Now Executive Director Scot Ross. “Scott Walker has more than delivered, draining resources away from public K-12 schools and sending them to the less accountable private voucher schools favored by the donors who’ve dumped over $2 million into his campaign coffers.”

The WEAC Board of Directors has concurred with the Political Action Committee’s recommendation of Sarah Godlewski for the Wisconsin State Treasurer constitutional office position. These recommendations are based upon the WEAC PAC screening all candidates who agreed to meet with the committee. The primary election is August 14, and the general election is November 6.